The highly anticipated new documentary film, SHIFT CHANGE (www.shiftchange.org), will have its New York City theatrical premiere Monday, June 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Anthology Film Archives. The film will be introduced by journalist and GRITtv host, Laura Flanders; filmmakers Mark Dworkin and Melissa Young will host a discussion after the screening.

At a time when many are disillusioned with big banks, big business, and growing inequity in the United States, employee ownership offers real solutions for workers and communities. SHIFT CHANGE visits thriving cooperative businesses in the U.S. and Spain; sharing on-the-ground experiences, lessons, and observations from the worker-owners on the front lines of the new economy.

SHIFT CHANGE filmmakers Melissa Young and Mark Dworkin gained unprecedented access to the world's oldest and largest network of worker cooperatives in Mondragon-- Basque Country, Spain--where 60% of local residents are employee-owners. With high job security and competitive salaries, the Basque Country boasts half the unemployment rate of the rest of Spain, and the Mondragon Corporation is the country's 10th largest.

SHIFT CHANGE explores many of Mondragon's diverse production facilities; along with its network of cooperative infrastructure, education, and social services agencies, highlighting the qualities that have helped to drive Mondragon's business success while also perpetuating the democratic, socially responsible, community-oriented principles upon which it was founded.

Here in the U.S.-- where a long decline in manufacturing and a brutal economic crisis have led to millions of Americans being thrown out of work-- many are looking to Mondragon as a model. SHIFT CHANGE highlights some of the vibrant worker-owned companies across the nation: from bakeries to solar energy to manufacturing and engineering. Through in-depth interviews with worker-owners, attendance at coop meetings, and visits to the factory floor, the film conveys the promise that these businesses offer to reinvent our failing economy, provide a pathway to long term stability, and nurture a more egalitarian way of life.

SHIFT CHANGE was released during the U.N.-declared International Year of Cooperatives (2012.coop). The New York theatrical premiere is co-sponsored by SolidarityNYC, New York City Network of Worker Cooperatives, New Economics Institute, Democracy at Work, Green Worker Coops, Toolbox for Education and Social Action, and YES! Magazine.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR June 10! $10 cash only.
Thank you for attending the NYC premiere of SHIFT CHANGE. Stay up-to-date with SHIFT CHANGE news and screenings by visiting our website (www.shiftchange.org) and following us on Facebook (facebook.com/shiftchangemovie).

Location

The Anthology Film Archives(View)
32 Second Avenue
New York City, NY 10003
United States